Bella Coola

Transportation & Maps

Bella Coola may feel delightfully remote, but it can be accessed by road, air or ferry. Having a car or truck is essential to getting around the Valley.

While it's not absolutely required, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is also helpful for accessing some of the area's more remote or beautiful spots. There are no taxis or scheduled bus services to Bella Coola.

Driving into Bella Coola and the Valley means taking in some spectacular views, especially along designated scenic driving routes. Along Highway 20, experience the cowboy country of the Chilcotin Plateau, the stunning mountain and forest views of Heckman Pass and the entire length of the Valley floor.

Arriving by plane, see the glaciers of the Monarch Ice Fields and coastal rivers that blend with the salt water of the ocean currents. Aboard BC Ferries' Discovery Coast Connector trip, fjords and ancient glaciers of the Coastal Mountains are a common sight and make for great photo opportunities.

Road Travel

Bella Coola is located approximately 456km/283mi from Williams Lake. After a scenic four-hour-plus drive across the ranchland of the West Chilcotin Plateau, Highway 20 enters Tweedsmuir Park and marks the official start of the Central Coast region. In the heart of the southern end of the Park, Highway 20 descends through Heckman Pass, or as the locals call it, "The Hill."

The Hill

Dropping almost a mile in less than 30 minutes through numerous sharp turns, The Hill offers stunning views of the Coastal Range. Drivers are advised to gear down to their lowest gear when entering the gated entrance to the Hill to avoid overheating the brakes, and take their time! Stop midway at Young Creek to stretch, enjoy the view, and allow the car to cool. Be aware that the Hill is packed gravel and at times, narrows to a single lane with very tight bends. If travelling during winter, drive carefully and ensure the car or truck has proper winter tires and/or chains.

Car Rental

The best way to explore the Bella Coola Valley is by car. Bella Coola Vehicle Rentals offers SUVs, passenger vans and pick-up trucks (many equiped with 4-wheel drive), with no restrictions on travel within the valley. Vehicle pick-up and drop-off is available at both the airport and ferry terminal, making it ideal for passengers arriving via the Discovery Coast Connector ferry service.

Public Transportation

A community bus operates in the valley Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and is wheelchair accessible. Service is offered from Bella Coola to the Atnarko's Tote Road at the foot of Heckman Pass. The bus can be flagged down between Bella Coola and Hagensborg, and one-day's advance booking is required for out-of-the-way pickups. See the Visitor Information Booth in Bella Coola for more information or visit Bus Online.

Air Travel and Charters

Private planes, charters and Pacific Coastal all fly into Bella Coola. Pacific Coastal operates a daily scheduled flight from Vancouver. A small, well-appointed terminal building provides some information on accommodations and activities. Note that due to the runway's close proximity to the mountains, some flights may be canceled or rescheduled during inclement weather.

Ferry and Boat Travel

BC Ferries' Discovery Coast Connector is a seasonal, two-stage ferry service between Bella Coola and the mid-coast ports of Shearwater, Ocean Falls and Bella Bella, with connecting service to Vancouver Island via Bella Bella. Space on the Discovery Coast Connector can be very limited, especially if travelling with an RV; reservations are free and are strongly recommended.

Travellers on the Discovery Coast Connector should note that, depending on the final destination, the trip could be up to 17 hours in duration. Ammenities on some portions of this route are limited and travellers may wish to purchase food for the journey prior to boarding.

A bustling government wharf invites pleasure boats of all sizes to tie up alongside the exotic-looking deep-sea fishing boats. The water just off the wharf is 110 m/360 ft deep, allowing for even large pleasure boats and even cruise ships. Sailors can weigh anchor at the wharf and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Mooring documents are not required but visitors with boats are asked to visit the Harbour Master Office to pay the daily private moorage rate.